Supporting The Scooter ‘Zine
I’ve been mostly a loner when it comes to scooter culture. Aside from occasional visits to the Modern Vespa forum I’m pretty disconnected from other scooterists and the state of the scootering world.
Back in August, I was contacted by Howard Rains, the editor, publisher, and self-described janitor of The Scooter ‘Zine magazine.
He said he was always looking for scooter riders with a story to tell and after following Scooter in the Sticks for a while was wondering if I might be willing to share some thoughts about the blog.
It was an honor to be asked and a distinct privilege to share some small part of my own scooter story in the magazine.
I also am aware of the passion and drive necessary to create a magazine and wanted to do some small part in helping such a creative enterprise thrive. Scooter riders, and scootering in general in all it’s various forms, makes up a tiny part of the two-wheeled riding universe. I felt good about contributing and subscribing to something that reflects my own interests and to help reach others who don’t know the magic of scooter riding.
Howard has permitted me to publish the text of the piece in the magazine. You’ll have to subscribe to see all the photographs. There are 10 published in the magazine.
After reading the text, you’ll have a better idea of how Scooter in the Sticks was born, what reasons I could possibly have to blog, and what the future might hold.
Click the “Continue Reading” bar for the entire text.
The Scooter ‘Zine Magazine — Scooter in the Sticks
Scooter in the Sticks came into existence almost by accident. At work in 2005, a discussion was taking place among the leadership team of our communications group about whether we should be blogging. I volunteered to look into it and create a blog as an experiment, and after a time I’d give a report. That night I was sitting in the living room with my wife and thought my new Vespa scooter would be an appropriate subject. Wondering out loud about a name for the blog she called out, “Scooter in the Sticks.”
And that’s the origin story.
But it’s not the complete story.
Today, nearly 15 years after my first post, the biggest question on my mind has become “Why blog?” After all, blogging is supposed to be dead, replaced by Facebook, Instagram, and other social media. Why invest time and energy in something dead or dying? Add to that the expenses of hosting, maintaining a domain, and paying for tools and plug-ins to keep it running, it’s probably important to answer that question. Perhaps in sharing why I blog, it will provide you with a clearer picture of Scooter in the Sticks, and help me answer that question.
First, let’s get a few things out of the way concerning what Scooter in the Sticks is not. It’s not a money-making enterprise. It’s not a place where I train or instruct anyone on anything. Quite simply, it exists as a self-centered, self-exploring, personal account of my experiences on and off the road, through words and pictures. Most recently, I’ve dipped into video.
Scooter in the Sticks is personal. It’s a place where I explore what goes on in my head, mostly while riding but not always, and how those thoughts shape my life.
Looking back at my first posts in 2005, I’m shocked at how similar the topics are to those I write about today. I still like riding alone. I still like riding in cold weather. I’m still seduced by the look of the Vespa in the landscape. I stop at cafes to drink tea and consume sugar. I make photographs. The things I experience while riding trigger thoughts and ideas that otherwise remain hidden. And when they emerge and I think about them, my life is enriched.
So how can this narrow range of interests possibly generate 1300 posts comprised of more than a million words, and nearly 10 thousand photographs? Probably more surprising has been the more than three million visitors, and 20 thousand extensive comments.
I believe it’s because my experiences and thoughts somehow resonate with readers — scooter riders, motorcycle riders, and others who seek an escape from the noise and chaos of the modern world. I write to understand myself, and that exploration has struck chords with others who are also trying to understand what’s going on in their heads.
Or maybe they just visit to see pictures of the Vespa in the central Pennsylvania landscape.
Despite Scooter in the Sticks leaning heavily towards my own inward journeys, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by reader reactions from around the world. Like most blogs, mine began in silence, one of the million or more that existed back in 2005. Slowly, unexpectedly, I began to get comments. At first, I mostly heard from other moto-bloggers, but eventually I heard from the non-blogging riding world as well. Readers began to share their own riding experiences, suggestions on equipment, riding technique, destinations, and questions. Over time a community began to form around my blog.
I’ve met some of them in person, as their adventures took them through central Pennsylvania. I’ve had the good fortune to have met riders from Florida and Alaska, Canada and Colorado.
While at a conference in Denver, I posted a view from my hotel window on the blog. Within a few hours an email arrived from a reader in Denver inviting me to dinner with his family. I had the day free so Dom said he would pick me up a 2 pm. As we pulled in his driveway, he told me he had to go back to work. As I sat there wondering what I was going to do until dinner, he handed me the keys to his motorcycle and told me to be back around six.
That’s the kind of experience I’ve had the honor of making with many people through Scooter in the Sticks.
I’m not an expert on scooters and motorcycles. When I started riding in 2005, I had not been on a motorcycle for more than 30 years. I started with a Vespa LX150 and a year later moved to a Vespa GTS250. The thrill was instant and riding quickly transformed into a passion. For a few years I had access to a wide array of motorcycles and scooters as I wrote reviews for a local BMW/Triumph/Ducati/Vespa dealer. And last summer my wife bought me a 1992 BMW K75 motorcycle which has expanded my experiences.
Over 60 thousand miles on Vespa scooters and 20 thousand on motorcycles, those rides are the source of the stories and thoughts I post on the blog. And almost all of those miles took place on the beautiful roads of central Pennsylvania.
For many readers, what’s unique about Scooter in the Sticks are the photographs. I’ve made them in every season, in rain and fog, on snow covered roads and at temperatures far below zero. I’ve made them on adventures and commutes to work. I think some readers connect through the pictures to their own experience, and perhaps find a message that whatever they’re doing is ok. For others, there’s interest in my year-round riding and specifically how I cope with riding in snow and ice. Still others seem to look to the stories for hints on how to find tranquility, serenity, and escape from the noise of daily life. I’ve come to recognize the incalculable returns of happiness and joy of being alone on the road on two wheels. I suspect others have as well.
The internet is full of stories asking if blogging is finally dead. And those stories are predicated on the idea that there should be a return on my investment of time and energy in maintaining a blog. I wonder, since I don’t make money — “What am I getting out of Scooter in the Sticks?”
Immediately, the thought of not blogging is unnerving. Blogging has become closely tied to my riding experiences. Being on the road creates its own energy and memories. Writing about it later, looking at the photographs I made, creates a second experience, one in which I find myself evaluating my life in a more honest manner. I’ve tried to learn to meditate many times, but until I began to ride, I never fully appreciated meditation’s promised results. And I dare say riding alone wasn’t enough. The combination of riding, stopping to examine the landscape with my camera, allowing my mind to wander, and then later reliving the experience at the keyboard has opened a door to personal discovery that has been life changing.
People ride scooters and motorcycles for many different reasons. Scooter in the Sticks serves up my own reasons. For some riders, it falls short of the information, answers and instruction they’re looking for. For others, a post may engender a new way of thinking about the machine in their garage. At the end of the day, I write for myself. Writing and posting is a selfish act. If others find utility or value in my stories I’m happy about that.
What’s next for Scooter in the Sticks? I’m not sure. I ride less in the summer because of the heat, so I’ve had a few months to consider the question. Producing videos has intriguing possibilities but the time and energy requirements are high. I’m also working on two books. One focused on the magic of riding, the other on the photographs that have emerged from my life on two wheels. I’ll continue to pursue all of these things until I no longer find value in them for myself.
“First, let’s get a few things out of the way concerning what Scooter in the Sticks is not. It’s not a money-making enterprise. It’s not a place where I train or instruct anyone on anything. Quite simply, it exists as a self-centered, self-exploring, personal account of my experiences on and off the road, through words and pictures. Most recently, I’ve dipped into video.”
Let me say this: The very fact that this-here thing of a blog you’re doing is clearly a labor of love (as well as largely, but not exclusively, dwelling on a subject I’m quite interested in) is what brings me back for every new post you put up. Of course, I’m a bit of a weirdo: I’m largely allergic to TV, and by far prefer listening to local public radio or spinning an interesting piece of vinyl for deep listening, or stuff to that effect. Riding is something of a long-form experience, and I dig long-form experiences. Blogs are the Internets’ closest equivalent to this.
And. yes, we all ride for all sorts of reasons: that, too, is a part of the beauty of riding. To quote a certain still-living sage:
“We always did feel the same
We just saw it from a different point of view”
Yes, there’s the beauty, with two wheels and an engine (powered by whatever) uniting us.
And, Oh, yes, Scooter Zine is simply sweet.
Indeed, a blog is suited for the long-form experience. I often wonder how a post might be received when I see the word count creep past 1000. A long way from Twitter.
You’re right, this here blog is a labor of love. But also a tool of exploration. I don’t see that changing.
I’m excited to find my first issue of The Scooter ‘Zine in my mailbox! Long live print!
I don’t “blog” often, only when I do a major trip, and only on ADVrider. I do it because I enjoy reading other riders blogs, especially when they visit the same places I have or where I plan to go, e.g. – Tuktoyaktuk; and I hope others enjoy reading about my experiences. Yes, it is self centered and yes, I’ll buy your book. Kudos to Kim for coming up with your excellent title, “Scooter in the Sticks.”
Blogs have a wide range of uses. Just this evening Kim and I used it to track down a statement made by her neurosurgeon. I had posted the comment. It’s a history book!
Hey Steve,well sure glad your blog isn’t dead…I still can’t remember for sure how I stumbled upon Scooter in the Sticks but for me It was like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow….Or that Anvil briefcase full of money I always think I might find on the side of the road…I would equate your efforts as volunteer work we all get so much reward from a gift from you without $$$$ as the main goal,Would like to say I enjoy the comments from other riders too!!!Thanks a Million Dr.Don Etheredge
Thank you for the kind words Don. Not sure about the pot of gold but I do hope you find that Anvil briefcase.
I’ve never thought about what I do as either service or volunteer work. I suppose that is up to the individual reader. I will say I agree with you about the comments. I enjoy them immensely and have found value in them. Early on I made a commitment to respond to every comment. I’ve read that many bloggers hate comments and even turn them off. For me, that would eliminate much of the value I receive in doing this. I find knowledge, wisdom, and power in the voices of others. Even when I disagree.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
You put in words both why I like to ride and why I blog much better than I could: “Quite simply, it exists as a self-centered, self-exploring, personal account of my experiences on and off the road, through words and pictures…Scooter in the Sticks is personal. It’s a place where I explore what goes on in my head, mostly while riding but not always, and how those thoughts shape my life.”
Long may you continue to ride and blog! It’s always enjoyable to read your posts, and a great respite from today’s crazy planet. Take care in the cold weather!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the post and blogging. For me, it has become a natural fit to ride and write. I never expected that to happen. The planets must have aligned.
Strange things happen when I visit your blog. Usually, I either find something that sends me down a Google rabbit hole, or experiences in Germany have me digress into YouTube to watch Blixa Bargeld, or tonight, the ads kept showing me a shirt I have been thinking of buying from Orvis. It’s diabolical!
Be well and you and your wife be safe on the road.
I found your blog while reading one of the other Pennsylvania bloggers. I don’t remember if it was Joe Blizman or Paul Smith, but since they are both inactive I’m glad I did. Being primarily a motorcyclist with a side of scooter, and an old school rider at that, I find reading it helps me understand where modern riders are coming from. I also like seeing what Paul Ruby is riding. His tastes in bikes is wide ranging and lovely to look at.
And if you ever get rid of the Vespa and start writing about life with a BMW I want credit for the title Beemer In The Brush.
The Vespa will go when it dies. And having taken a long ride yesterday, it still has a lot of life in it. I hope I didn’t jinx the thing!
Beemer in the Brush. That kind of sounds like Beemer in the Ditch! But if I do ever use it, be assured I will give you full credit!
Okay then Beemer In The Boondocks will have to do.
Hmmm. Still doesn’t conjure the right image Jim. How about, “Another Brick in the Sticks.” ???
Modern riders. Now there’s a topic. I’ll have to think about that Jim.
Your comments about Paul also made me think I should put together some wide-ranging piece on his history of machines. There are many. And I think there are pictures too! As he tells me, his father said he was a gem.
I’d be very interested in the Ruby history of machines, especially if pictures are included!
I’ll have to talk with Paul about it. Could turn out to be an epic.
And I still need to talk to you about posts!
Steve, you mean to tell be that blogging is evaporating? Well that’s certainly a shame if true. I assume it is sadly true, just because, like you, I have seen bloggers drift to Instagram and Twitter.
Perhaps that continental drift will ultimately mean that blogs will become the exceptional and rare island jewels left behind. Charming renowned places that earn their keep and attract lots of tourists like Venice, Capri, Sicily, Jersey, Guernsey, Manhattan, Japan, England… I vote for Scooter in the Sticks as the Capri of the bloggoverse: isolated, cosy, with thousands of fascinating meandering passages and delightful views around each corner.
Keep up the good work.
I’m too wordy for Instagram or Twitter. Or maybe those venues lack the feedback I find so valuable. If someone posts a dozen words it’s long.
The Capri of the bloggoverse! That’s funny. But I know what you mean. I bet someday blogs like this will be quaint.
An aside — I watched Emily in Paris. I hope a season 2 comes along. Made me want to live in Paris.
I like reading, and blogging gives the reader a chance to find something with a narrow interest, and a pretty rare appeal, let’s face it, they’re are not that many people out there riding scooters. Hard to imagine why, I can never not smile when I put on the helmet and hit the starter button. I’ve got lots of toys: bikes, guitars, banjo, scooter, etc, and I like them all, and consider them part of the grand, wonderful, experience of living on this planet for the brief time I’m allotted. Keep up the great work!
You’re right about blogs lending themselves to narrow interests. So many start and stop though.
I’m with you concerning the smile that comes from scootering. I feel the same excitement now that I did the first time I climbed onto my Vespa.
Thanks for your support and taking the time to comment.
Good posting on the origin of the blog Steve….one of the great joys of moto-blogging was indeed the personal interactions it led to. I’m glad you enjoyed your time on Brigitta, the R80. I’ve also gotten the impression people think blogging is dead, oh well….for me its a vehicle to remember past rides and travel locations, my memory not being what it used to be, which wasn’t much to start with!
Your postings have always demonstrated your ability to pass on images and thoughts in an easy conversational manner, easy to read and thought provoking most of the time. Of course your pics are part of the standard I try to emulate.
I’ve not been blogging as long as you, but hope you’ll continue….
Riding Brigitta was a high point of my trip Dom. I’m still grateful you entrusted her to me.
I’m with you in terms of the blog being a vehicle to remember the past. And for me, not just rides. I seem to be constantly searching for some information from the past.
I’ll continue blogging into the future. While I can imagine a day will come where I can’t ride, I’m imagining I will be able to continue to blog. I can always dream of riding!
I deem any morning I find a scooterinthesticks.com email in the box the start of a red letter day. Rather than jumping right in, I tend to savour the anticipation of enjoying the latest post, finishing breakfast and my morning tea before cranking up the espresso contraption and digging in. I can stretch this out through the morning unless of course there is a ride in the works in which case I might leave Scooter for the post ride glow. I do enjoy FB and Instagram but I contrast both as short form versus the fully featured nature of Scooter in the Sticks. Long live the blog for those of us that prefer an entree over a quick bite. I think we might all benefit from a little more long form in our lives today. Thanks for another thoughtful post Steve.
I’ve read your comment a few times Steve and I’m not sure what to say. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough. You’ve described a reception to my words that I’ve not imagined. For now though, thank you for your kind words.
I do see what I write as being more in the form of an essay than something you might see on Facebook or Instagram. I have to admit I would spend more time editing before posting to make things a bit smoother to consume but I can seem to conjure the effort. After all these years I’m still in the write it and post it mode.
I have a few more posts in the works. Hopefully you’ll continue to find something to go with the espresso!
I saw your write up in Howard’s mag, I get it sent to me here in the UK.I also like Old schools thread in modern vespa has encouraged me to start getting out more both of yours in sunny Wales taking pics now I just had a dear John letter from work after 11 yrs my services are no longer required and have more free time between my other job. I will miss being a cycle instructor in the primary schools but as one door closes hopefully another will open. I may even start a blog if I can get my head around technology 😊.
Sorry to hear of your separation from your employment Graham. I hope you find something you love even more.
Sunny Wales? That’s not what I picture when I think of Wales. But what do I know. If you start a blog I would love to see the landscapes you witness. And I wouldn’t let the technology dissuade you. Start a free WordPress blog and go! It’s pretty simple.
Hi Steve, I recently came across your blog as I was looking for more information on riding a Vespa or touring on a Vespa. As a life-long motorcyclist I never really understood the whole scooter thing, but this past summer on a whim I bought a very clean used Yamaha Vino 125 and now get it. Living in a city that has constant traffic, construction projects and parking problems made me realize how much fun a scooter can be ripping around town. So much fun that I’m now considering buying a GTS 300 in the spring.
I’ve been going through some of your older posts and really enjoy both your writing and your photography, truly inspirational stuff.
Maurice
I can relate to your discovery of fun on a scooter. Back in 2005 when I bought my first Vespa I had planned to purchase a Triumph Bonneville, a motorcycle I had admired forever. But my friend let me take his Vespa ET4 for a spin and I was hooked. It was more fun than any motorcycle I had ever ridden. My daughter has a Yamaha Vino 125. I just winterized it for her and took it for a 15 mile spin around the town. It’s fun. But a Vespa is in a completely different class.
Thanks for your kind words about my writing and pictures. I appreciate it.